Apple Blossom Teacher of the Year Awards

Honoring the 2020 Nominees

On March 2, 2020 CCCR would have named three early childhood ‘Teacher of Year Award’ recipients at the Apple Blossom Luncheon. Sadly, we had to cancel the event due to COVID-19, so today we invite you to join us in honoring the nominees for this prestigious award. Teachers are nominated by directors, colleagues and parents who know they are truly exceptional.

We can tell you with confidence that these nominees are incredible, dedicated, creative and compassionate teachers because we read the heartfelt letters from those who endorsed them. These teachers spark a love of learning in the young children they educate and care for. They help mold these children into who they become. In this way, the effects they inspire are eternal.

We have gathered excerpts from their applications that we believe exemplify what makes each teacher so special. From teachers who obtained their Doctorates to those who created bear hunts and circus days, these excerpts are truly inspiring.

About the Apple Blossom Awards

Each year in Collier County, the Apple Blossom Awards recognize exceptional early childhood teachers for their efforts in educating our youngest children through their most formative years. CCCR presents three awards:

Infant/Toddler “Teacher of the Year”

Preschool “Teacher of the Year”

School Year Center “Teacher of the Year”

KaitlynArnoldPoinciana ElementarySchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“The switch from a typical developmental Pre-K classroom to a Pre-K classroom with students with disabilities was a huge step out of my comfort zone…This classroom is for three to five-year-olds who are physically and mentally disabled. I have ten non-verbal students and two assistants. I have students in my classroom who have Down syndrome, autism, Smith-Magenis Syndrome, Angleman syndrome, and dwarfism. This position is very difficult at times, but very rewarding. I have seen all my students grow academically and socially this year. In the beginning of the school year my students could not even sit in their chairs for more than two seconds during circle time. Now my students are sitting the whole time during circle very engaged in the different activities, using communication devices, and interacting with their peers.”

–Kaitlyn Arnold, nominee

Makenzie Weaver CamardaOsceola Elementary School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Mrs. Camarda demonstrates
many of the qualities parents desire in a Pre-K teacher for their child. She
fosters a warm and welcoming classroom environment. She always speaks to
children in a kind manner that makes them feel so special. She implements standards-based
lessons that engage children and allow them to reach their potential. Mrs.
Camarda creates such strong relationships with her children. Many of them never
forget her and often continue to have a special bond with her, even when they
are no longer in her class…Mrs. Camarda was on maternity leave for part of this
school year. She was missed so much during her absence that parents, children
and school staff we having a countdown for her return!”

–Dr. Elizabeth McBride, Director of Early Learning, Collier County Public Schools

Denny De LeonGolden Terrace ElementarySchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“I have had the pleasure of working with Denny De Leon for the
past two years as an Instructional Coach for the Early Literacy and Learning
Model (ELLM) Program. Her lesson plans
demonstrate foundational skills required for students to be ready for
Kindergarten. Denny provides many
opportunities for hands-on learning and play exploration throughout the school
day. Student progress is monitored often
by analyzing classroom data and reflecting upon her teaching practices in order
to provide the best quality instruction to fit their needs. While managing her
students, Denny understands the wide range of abilities and personalities in
her classroom. She treats every child
with respect and uses praise as a tool to reinforce positive behavior. Students are always made to feel smart,
important, and loved in her presence.”

Stephanie FalconeNaples Park Elementary School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Stephanie works with our youngest students with disabilities to
thoughtfully plan and implement effective lessons. Her patience and
communication skills help her students to be successful on a daily basis.
Stephanie is also extremely reflective and open to feedback so she can be the
best teacher possible. Stephanie makes great efforts to communicate with
families, and she has even set up a system for families to network with each
other. This has helped create a strong community inside and outside of her
classroom with the families she works with.”

–Melissa Stamper, Assistant Principal

Marian FernandezA Step Up, A CCCR Center at Golden Gate High School School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Marian is patient, kind and nurturing toward the children in her
two year old classroom. Her energy is refreshing and her enthusiasm contagious.
She thinks of creative ways to bring learning into the children’s playtime, and
the Center’s Reggio Emilia philosophy is implemented as daily teaching
techniques. She is highly professional and easily recognizes a child’s special
needs, both emotional and academic…Marian’s students have great respect for
her. She is able to keep her classroom organized and her students under control
while fostering a positive and exciting atmosphere every day.”

–Dr. Ivette Aponte-Torres, M. Ed.
D.M., Center Director

Edith GalanA Step Up, A CCCR Center at Immokalee High School School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Edith is a sweet and loving teacher who truly wants the very best
for every child in her toddler class. The kindness and warmth that Edith
portrays speaks volumes while in her classroom. She engages EACH child with
such passion, conviction and dedication. She makes a difference] in the life of
a parent, she makes a difference in the life of other teachers, and, most
importantly, she makes a difference in the life of a child. Her creative
lessons give children experiences I know they would not have anywhere else,
especially at this young age. She isn’t afraid of trying an activity even if it
means cleaning up afterwards–forever! She loves her job and it truly shows.”

“Ms. Sonia has worked for
Precious Cargo Academy for 8 years, and during that time she has fostered great
relationships with every family and a strong bond with the children in her
care. Her personality is nurturing, engaging and compassionate, which makes her
an ideal infant teacher. Her commitment to her educational and professional
development is to be admired, and she is always attending any training,
workshop or conference that she can….Daily parents praise the level of care,
communication and growth their children receive in Ms. Sonia’s care. Working
with infants is very demanding, and balancing needs with educational lesson
plans can be a challenging job. Ms. Sonia, however, does it in stride and
incorporates language, baby sign language, music, art, sensory and outdoor play
experiences.”

“Diana is patient, caring, a strong leader and open to the needs and strengths of the children. She is hardworking, well organized and committed to her students. Diana always takes an active interest in the well-being of each of her students. Students respond well to her engaging approaches, guidance and encouragement. As a staff member, Diana is pleasant and cooperative. She has a delightful sense of humor. She is always professional, kind and generous. She is a dynamic worker who will go the extra mile.” –Cynthia Vega, Director of FORZA Child Development Center

Suchity JordanFun Time Early Childhood AcademyPreschool “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“My dream was always to become a teacher and
to help kids, but living in Cuba was a barrier to me reaching that goal. I am
eternally grateful that I was given the opportunity to pursue my dream of being
a teacher and receiving my CDA.* Working
at Fun Time Academy is something I am very proud of and thankful for. No two
days are the same, and I am afforded the chance to learn from children, parents
and the staff. This has expanded my knowledge. Attaining my CDA has set the
precedent for what I wish to do within the educational field, and I am
optimistic about all that my future holds at Fun Time Academy and beyond.”

* A CDA (Child Development
Associate) is a
national credential that requires at least 120 hours of formal training.

— Suchity Jordan,
nominee

Ana LopezPathways Early Education Center of ImmokaleePreschool “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Ms. Ana is always sweet and kind with the children in her classroom. She radiates love and peace, and the children can feel that positive energy from her. As a mom, it is a blessing to me that my baby can start his day with Ms. Ana, as I know that whatever kind of morning we’re having, she will help him start his day with compassion, patience and kindness. Her loving energy and the way she praises all their accomplishments help to build each child’s confidence and belief that they are successful.”

–Jennifer M. Albert, parent

Dr. Desiree LoScalzo Village Oaks Elementary School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“When I reflect on my career,
the thing that I am most proud of is being a change agent for the cultural
relevance of the CCPS Head Start curriculum. In 2015, the literacy program did
not include children’s literature that reflected the demographic of the student
population. I began a dialogue with the director of the CCPS Head Start program
and presented data and current research from my Doctoral Thesis that showed
high levels of increases in student engagement and achievement when students
were exposed to literature that was culturally relevant to their home lives.
The director and I developed a focus group of stakeholders in the CCPS Head
Start program and we purchased children’s literature that reflected our student
demographic. These books allowed them to see themselves, their families, and
their community reflected in literature. It was truly empowering to them and
gave them the excitement and interest that is needed for them to begin their
journey as life-long readers, life-long achievers, and life-long learners.”

“Carolina is one of the
happiest and most joyful people I know. She brings a sense of wonder and
excitement to the world around her. Her enthusiasm, interest and desire to work
with children, as well as the genuine joy she radiates in her interactions with
children, teachers, staff and parents is quite impressive. Carolina’s classroom
is a safe and nurturing environment where every child thrives, Through
effective questioning, (why, how, what, if etc.), she expands on children’s
language development and thought processes, as well as problem solving skills
and making connections to their own lives and rea world applications. Whether
the children are on in the classroom, eating meals or are on the playground,
they are happy and they are learning.”

“Ms. Cheri approaches each day with a giving heart. She
is patient, nurturing and devoted. Lessons overflow with creativity and
innovative idea. In January Ms. Cheri’s class read The Mitten. Her class did an investigation on winter hibernation
and snow. In the story, the animals climbed inside a mitten to stay warm. The
classroom brainstormed ways they stay warm when it is cold. The children made
fake snow and discussed how it felt at room temperature and then placed the
bucket of snow in the refrigerator. They compared the temperatures and then
discussed how they could keep their hands warm if they were to play with it.
This led to a discussion of a glove versus a mitten.”

–Bailey Murrel, Director, Livingston Academy

Mariela Naranjo Pelican Marsh Elementary School Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“I have had the pleasure of working with Mrs. Naranjo as
her principal for the past year, yet she has been a PK IBI (Intensive
Behavioral Intervention)-2 teacher within the Collier County Public Schools for
seven years. Her energy level is limitless and her students absolutely adore
her. Mrs. Naranjo possesses the personal and professional skills of an
excellent educator. She is student centered in her interactions with children,
parents and colleagues. She commands the respect of all those around her
because of her positive, calm and consistent manner. Mrs. Naranjo is an outstanding
educator that positively changes the lives of her students. She is a role model
for those around her and is highly respected in the community.”

“Ms. Crystal carries a National CDA in the Early
Childhood Field. She is our VPK Program Teacher in her fourth year here at
Little Wonders. Ms. Crystal is a strong, loving teacher who really engages her
children. She has wonderful, creative activities that keep her children busy
and engaged and prepare them for kindergarten. The children really look up to
her; she has a special way about her. She is paving the way for them to be
independent learners. Ms. Crystal’s classroom management skills and circle time
are astounding! She is very confident in her teaching abilities and it greatly
shows in her children. Ms. Chrystal has an excellent rapport with parents to
build the relationship from home to school. She is always willing to go the
extra mile and help her school as a whole.”

–Jaime Eskridge, Director, Little Wonders

Knorsheeka ParkerPathways Early Education Center of ImmokaleePreschool “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Knorsheeka’s creative classroom wows her children, family and peers. She is very much involved in their lives, and it naturally shows every day as they enter a new day in the Green Frog classroom. Knorsheeka has created a warm environment for the children to thrive and learn. Her lessons are fun, hands-on, energetic and engaging. She constructs a flexible and meaningful lesson plan for her students. Every minute of the day is positive engagement through learning. Her relationship with her children and families is an amazing example of teamwork.”

“Ms. Lupita plans engaging and thoughtful lessons using Teaching Strategies GOLD, working to intentionally create experiences that will aid her children’s development. Ms. Lupita takes advantage of TSG’s online portfolios, assessing the children at least three times per week through documentation of anecdotal notes. She rates the children on TSG’s scale to determine growth, as well as to inform her planning for future lessons, ensuring that the children are working within their Zone of Proximal Development. Lupita is very engaged with the children, interacting with them throughout the day to build relationships, develop background knowledge and language skills, and to foster children’s growth in physical, cognitive and emotional skills.”

–Rebecca Romeis-Markham, Curriculum Specialist, Guadalupe Center

Shirley RafeldtPeace Early Learning CenterPreschool “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Ms. Shirley Rafeldt is an amazing teacher. Not only is
she kind and caring, teaching a class of four and five-year-olds five days a
week, but she also genuinely cares about the parents entrusting their children
to her. If a concern is presented, she is always quick with a resolution that
puts the parents at ease. She has seemingly endless patience, as she redirects
out-of-place behavior with a calm voice and gentle hand. On the occasion that I
forget something for my son, Ms. Shirley always assures me that it will be just
fine, and has a back-up plan in place so that my son does not feel left out or
even know that something was forgotten. One can see she surely loves her job,
and it shows in the smiles and growth of every child in her care.”

“Jessica is very patient
and kind. I have had the opportunity, as her Director, to work alongside her in
the classroom. She is very calm and informative. Her students come ready to
learn each day. She is not afraid to try new things. I receive a ton of
positive feedback from the families in her classroom. She has a very welcoming
classroom. She gets to the children’s level and really talks to them to
understand their thoughts and feelings. Ms. Jessica jumps to help teachers when
needed as well. Ms. Jessica feels her education and professional development is
important; she goes beyond her required training hours. She engages her
students in many areas and really focuses on language and interactions. She
uses these opportunities to build on the children’s learning and development.
She is an amazing teacher.”

–Jodi Garrett, Child’s Path Center Director

Christina RomanPoinciana ElementarySchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Helping shape the lives
and education of young learners was always a dream of mine. I have done two
things in my career that I am most proud of: learning basic sign language and
immersing myself in the Power of Conscious Discipline. As a first-year teacher
in an inclusion classroom, I had a hearing-impaired child. When she entered my
classroom, she had learned no sign language and just pointed to objects to
communicate. In the beginning she refused to learn signs and would close her
eyes and turn her body. To make sure this child felt comfortable and included,
the entire class and I learned sign language along with her. Immersing myself
in the Power of Conscious Discipline has helped shape my classroom management
and strengthen my teaching. I am now empowered with the Seven Powers of
self-control: attention, love, acceptance, perception, intention, free will and
unity.”

— Christina Roman, nominee

Ruth RuizPeace Early Learning CenterInfant/Toddler “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Ruth brings forth many great ideas when implementing her program in our infant room. She responds to the children with ease and enthusiasm and obviously has a great way with them. Children are drawn to her, and she develops many astounding relationships with them. Ruth has a great rapport with both the staff on her immediate team and throughout the center. She is able to communicate effectively and professionally with both staff and parents. Ruth’s ability to look beyond the situation to understand possible reasons for why they occur is amazing. She is a kind, thoughtful, open-minded and compassionate person.”

“This August Ms. Allie will
celebrate her 16th year at Precious Cargo Academy, but her
experience and passion for working with young children began many years before.
Ms. Allie has always striven to know each one of her students; to understand
what their strengths are and to fulfill their needs. Parents adore Ms. Allie
and her caring, nurturing personality. Every day parents feel informed and
connected to their child and their day at school. Her knowledge and dedication
to the industry and the children make her an exceptional role model and mentor
to other teachers. When entering her classroom, you see immediately the
organization, structure and pride she takes in it. Young children can be very
challenging, and behaviors often arise that can fluster and overwhelm
educators, but Ms. Allie always has a positive outlook and approach.”

–Leanne Badham, M.Ed., Director, Precious Cargo Academy

Raimalu SantanaA Step Up, A CCCR Center at Golden Gate High SchoolSchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“As a parent, I have seen Ms. Santana do many activities with the babies to help them reach their next developmental milestone. These include encouraging babies to rollover, practicing making eye contact and helping them learn to grasp objects, among many other things. During the first few weeks of childcare, Ms. Santana helped to relieve my anxiety by promptly responding to my messages on the Class Dojo App, sending pictures of my daughter a few times a week and letting me settle my baby in her boppy on the floor when we first arrived in the morning. This simple act of being able to “nest my daughter” in the beginning the day helped me feel connected to her throughout the rest of the day. I am very lucky to have her caring for my baby.”

“Christina is patient, kind and nurturing toward the children in her care. Her energy is inspirational and her passion contagious. She always finds creative ways to bring learning experiences into the children’s playtime and our curriculum is strengthened by her teaching techniques and methods. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are truly superior. Christina has always been driven to develop her skills as a teacher. She is highly professional and easily recognizes her children’s special needs, both academic and emotional. She is also very humble and willing to ask for a helping hand when in need.”

“It is truly difficult for me to determine what I am most proud of when reflecting on my 27-year career. I completed my doctorate in special education this past year, and that was an amazing accomplishment for me. I think back to high school and how I struggled academically. When I reflect on college and look at the courses that were specific in my field of education, I see a student who excelled. Once I was able to find what I was good at and made me happy, I succeeded. I am proud that I was a struggling student that was lucky enough to find something I am passionate about and successful at. I hope that I am able to start my students on a path to find their strengths and excel in what brings them joy as well.”

— Dr. Lori Schwab, nominee

Maria TorresMethodist Day SchoolSchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominee

“Mrs. Torres has been the VPK teacher at the Methodist Day School for the past 15 years. She is the most giving and selfless teacher I have ever had the pleasure of dealing with. From the moment I met her, I knew she was a special teacher and it was going to be a wonderful year ahead for my son. He learned so much that year, from ABC’s and 123’s to reading and math. But the best gift she gave him was a love of learning. She instills a love of learning in all her students that will last a lifetime. She makes learning so much fun, they don’t even realize they’re learning. From bear hunts to circus day, dinosaur day and the Rainforest Café, every lesson is fun and exciting. Her goal every day is to prepare them for kindergarten while nurturing them as if they were her own children.”

–Crystal Pepper, parent

Rosa VictoriaA Step Up, A CCCR Center at Immokalee High SchoolSchool Year Center “Teacher of the Year” Nominees

“Rosa is one of our amazing infant teachers at A Step Up, A CCCR Early Childhood Development Center at Immokalee High School. She is absolutely amazing; her love and tenderness for the children overwhelms the classroom. Rosa cares deeply about making a difference in the life of a child. She is creative with hands-on activities and her love of singing rings through the class daily. Rosa gives the infants so many opportunities to grow and learn, incorporating each child’s needs for proper development. Her eagerness to see the babies accomplish new goals shows throughout the classroom. She is loved by so many families, teachers and children. The CCCR family is blessed to have such an amazing and devoted teacher among our staff.”